Averaging for a fully coupled piecewise-deterministic Markov process in infinite dimensions

Abstract

In this paper we consider the generalized Hodgkin-Huxley model introduced in Austin (2008). This model describes the propagation of an action potential along the axon of a neuron at the scale of ion channels. Mathematically, this model is a fully coupled piecewise-deterministic Markov process (PDMP) in infinite dimensions. We introduce two time scales in this model in considering that some ion channels open and close at faster jump rates than others. We perform a slow-fast analysis of this model and prove that, asymptotically, this `two-time-scale' model reduces to the so-called averaged model, which is still a PDMP in infinite dimensions, for which we provide effective evolution equations and jump rates.